The Gear-Up Guide: Transitioning Your Workwear for Colder Seasons

It’s that time of year again – the time when you store away your lightweight summer workwear and haul your fall and winter workwear out of storage. Or, it’s the time when you go shopping to replace your cold weather work gear that no longer fits! 

One of the hardest parts about planning for outside work in a new season is knowing what to buy, what to store away, and what will ensure your comfort during the colder and warmer months of the year. If you need a helping hand planning your winter and fall workwear, read our gear-up guide below: 

Why Transitional Season Workwear is a Smart Investment

We don’t jump immediately into bulky winter workwear after just storing away our vented, lightweight summer workwear. It takes time for the weather to transition from hot to cold. During that window of time, it’s not uncommon to experience chilly mornings and warm days, making it important to have garments that will maintain your comfort levels during fluctuating temperatures. 

The Early Fall Audit: What to Keep, What to Store

In preparation for the changing seasons, perform a ‘fall audit’ to determine what you should keep and store. The following advice could prove helpful: 

Retiring Summer Gear: Lightweight Shirts & Vented Pants

Before the first frosts of fall rear their ugly heads, start packing away your summer workwear, including lightweight shirts and vented pants. Any workwear that’s designed to be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and ventilated is not appropriate as fall workwear. However, it does pay to keep a lightweight shirt or two within easy reach for any unseasonably warm days. 

To ensure your summer workwear is ready to come out of storage wear-ready next year, thoroughly wash them, perform any necessary repairs, and store them in a way that prevents the risk of mold and mildew. 

Inspecting Your Winter Gear: Boots, Jackets, and Liners

It has probably been some time since you last looked at your winter workwear. Before you truly need to wear your winter woollies, ensure you have everything you need. 

Check your insulated work boots for worn insulation or cracked soles. Test the zippers on your women’s or men’s work jackets and look for holes or major imperfections. You can even check your thermal socks for work to make sure they’re hole-free for hard labor ahead. By doing this in advance, you can ensure that all your winter workwear is wear-ready at a moment’s notice. 

Essential Gear for the In-Between Weather

You’ve stored away your summer workwear, and you’ve got your winter workwear ready to go. What about that challenging in-between fall period? Fortunately, there are workwear options to suit those tricky, ever-changing temperatures. 

The All-Star Player: The Medium-Weight Jacket or Hoodie

Don’t underestimate the value of a medium-weight jacket or hoodie. Some of the best options on the market have breathable insulation, wind resistance, and reinforced seams. Best of all, you can layer them up and down as the temperatures fluctuate.

A great option to bridge the gap between summer and winter is the Carhartt men’s blanket-lined Detroit jacket. It has been engineered for low warmth in cooler conditions. It boasts a blanket-lined body, quilted nylon sleeve lining, triple-stitched main seams, and 100% polyester fill.  

A Must-Have: Water-Resistant or Waterproof Outerwear

As unpredictable as fall and winter weather can be, if there’s one thing for sure, it’s that you’re going to get some rain. That’s why a water-resistant or waterproof outerwear layer is crucial. 

Layer a men’s Storm Defender Carhartt jacket up or down as the fall temperatures change. This jacket is designed to seal out the wind and heavy rain, thanks to its waterproof, breathable technology. 

It boasts a 10K/5K waterproof breathability rating, a water-repellent center front zipper, and an adjustable hood. Available in both women’s and men’s work jackets, it’s a fall workwear staple at any outdoor worksite. 

The Unsung Hero: All-Weather Work Boots

Warm, insulated work boots can be the best friend you never thought you needed. Rather than putting up with cold, wet feet at work for hours on end, you can keep them dry and comfortable in all-weather work boots. Pairing them with thermal socks for work and play is the icing on the cake.

Some waterproof, insulated work boots stand out more than others. For example, Yukon Pac composite toe boots are insulated and waterproof for all-day comfort. They offer composite heel, ankle, and toe protection, alongside boasting a waterproof, breathable upper and cushioning. With a Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane, your feet can breathe, but remain dry.  

Preparing for the Freeze: Key Winter-Ready Items to Get Now

Winter is on its way, and you need quality winter workwear that will see you through any miserable, wet, cold day. Ensure the following essentials take pride of place in your closet: 

Insulated & Fleece-Lined Pants

One or two pairs of insulated or fleece-lined pants are non-negotiable when you want to ensure your legs remain warm and comfortable all day. The best pants help you maintain flexibility and breathability without sacrificing movement. 

 A great option for any outdoor worker is the Carhartt Force relaxed-fit lined pants. They are UPF 30+ rated and have a 100% polyester fleece lining for warmth, a comfortable and relaxed fit, and built-in stretch. These pants also have FastDry technology to wick away sweat and fight odor.  

Thermal Base Layers and Socks

Whether it’s the start of fall or the middle of winter, you can’t go past thermal base layers for comfort and warmth. It helps to choose a range of layers to suit different forecasts, such as heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. 

The best thermal base layers on the market are moisture-wicking to regulate your body temperature and keep sweat away. You can also pair them with thermal socks. 

Winter-Specific Accessories: Insulated Gloves & Beanies

When you’re busy focusing on layering up your body for working outside in fall and winter, it’s easy to forget about accessories. However, insulated gloves and beanies are a crucial type of winter and fall workwear. 

Insulated gloves help you keep warm while still ensuring you have grip and dexterity. A quality thermal hat or beanie will help you retain body heat for extended periods outdoors. 

Be Ready for Anything with JMD Workwear

Is your wardrobe stocked up for the colder work months ahead? Make sure it is by shopping at J.M.D. Sox Outlet. We’re proud to be a trusted stockist of quality Carhartt fall workwear and winter workwear, including work jackets, insulated work boots, fleece-lined pants, and more. Stock up on essentials today and ensure you have the best cold weather work gear to carry you through this fall and winter.